Iowa 2A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: PCM

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An early look at some of the top teams in each class, now to Class 2A. We'll profile several programs that look to return the talent necessary to compete for a state championship in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/iowa-2a-way-too-early-title-contenders-alburnett/">Iowa 2A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Alburnett</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/iowa-2a-way-too-early-title-contenders-wilton/">Iowa 2A Way-Too-Early Title Contenders: Wilton<br></a><br><strong>Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Falling just shy of a trip to Cedar Falls this season with a 21-17 quarterfinals loss to Wilton, PCM will seek revenge in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A run-heavy team that returns their top two rushers from last season and an <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/all-state-teams-iowa-class-2a-offense/">All-State</a> offensive lineman, the Mustangs a chance to be one of the most dominant running attacks in the state next season. Both Lewis Daye and Easton Morris are back after they each took over 100 carries, combining for 279 carries, 1775 yards and 21 touchdowns, and paving the way will be 2028 OL [player_tooltip player_id='1077234' first='Hayden' last='Shannon'], who currently stands at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds is only growing. Shannon is one of the more dominant run-blockers in the state of Iowa, and with continued development he'll likely add to an alread-growing offer list that includes Iowa State and Nebraska. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, if the Mustangs are able to get the passing game going with a new quarterback under center (likely Wyatt Schubert), their top returning pass-catcher is [player_tooltip player_id='1699592' first='Jaden' last='Houser'], who caught 12 passes for 93 yards and two scores this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, two of the top four tacklers are back in the form of linebackers Mason Hjortshoj and Jax Strait, who collectively put together 107 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss and 2.5 sacks. Each finished with more than 50 tackles, while Strait added a pick-six and three pass-breakups (PBU), and Hjortshoj contributed an interception and a PBU. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With seven of the top nine tacklers not returning next season, both Hjortshoj and Strait will be called upon to step up in a big way in 2026, and if they can reach new levels of production the Mustangs will have a shot at reaching the UNI-Dome once again next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->